What you need to know about Botox treatments in Agoura Hills before you schedule an appointment.

Everyone has a reason for making their first appointment at Illuminari MedSpa. Most often it’s because they want to remove the fine wrinkles from around their eyes or mouth.  To restore or maintain that smooth appearance, the most common step is Botox injections. Botox in Agoura Hills is common and considered safe by the FDA.

What is Botox?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only FDA-approved treatment that temporarily smooths out frown lines and eye wrinkles. It works by disrupting the signals between the neurons near the injection site. In essence, it relaxes and ‘freezes’ the muscles so that they don’t pucker the skin.

According to BOTOX®, Botox Cosmetic targets the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting over the years. These muscle contractions are the underlying causes of the frown lines and crow’s feet people often want to overcome. These dynamic wrinkles can give the appearance of being constantly tired, distressed or even angry.

Large numbers of people receive Botox in Agoura Hills every year.  According to Medical News Today, more than 6 million Botox treatments are administered each year across the United States. In fact, Botox injections are the most popular MedSpa procedure in America.

Botox Injections in Agoura Hills

At Illuminari MedSpa we offer Botox injections and consult with patients daily, regarding their health goals, areas of concern and the types of treatments that will provide the best results.

Because the health and well-being of our patients is our primary focus, we want to answer the most common questions about Botox and debunk some of the myths.

The Benefits of Botox

Every person has their own reasons for seeking a Botox treatment. Often, people request Botox injections in Agoura Hills for physical, emotional, and social reasons.

• Improved Appearance
• Enhanced Self-Esteem
• Prevent Early Aging
• Botox for Migraines

What Causes Wrinkles?

Most people see their first wrinkles appear around the eyes and mouth. Wrinkles may result from a combination of many factors. It’s not only a result of cellular changes over time, but a reduction in collagen production and/or sun damage are also key influencers.

Wrinkles can be caused by a number of factors.

• Habitual facial expressions
• Aging
• Sun damage
• Smoking
• Poor hydration
• Genetics

Natural, repeated movement of the face can cause the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. When you frown or concentrate, the muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold. The same effect happens when you squint, the muscles around your eyes contract and will cause crow’s feet over time.

Types of Facial Lines

There are two different types of facial lines, static and dynamic facial lines. Static facial lines are visible all the time and are a result of squinting, frowning, or sun damage.  Dynamic lines are a result of activating underlying facial muscles. These lines are only visible during muscle contractions like squinting or smiling.

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, crow’s feet are the fine lines that form around the eyes. They are primarily caused by sun exposure, but smoking can also cause them to appear.

Botox for Medical Use

According to Medical News Today, Botox has proven useful in treating a variety of medical conditions including eye squints, migraines, excess sweating and leaky bladders. Many people find it effective in the treatment of migraines.

The FDA originally approved the use of Botox and Botulinum Toxin in 1989 for the treatment of eye muscle problems. In 2002, the FDA approved Botox treatments for cosmetic purposes for people between the ages of 18 to 65.

Agoura Hills Botox Treatments at Illuminari MedSpa

Your Botox specialist at Illuminari MedSpa can discuss your goals and perform a facial analysis. The actual process for Botox injections takes about 10 minutes.

You can expect a natural, non-frozen, look when you receive Botox from one of Iluminari MedSpa’s professional aestheticians. The goal is no wrinkles, along with a natural facial expression.

Is Botox for Men?

Yes! At Illuminari MedSpa in Agoura Hills, we treat moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles for men with Botox injections.

About Illuminari MedSpa

Illuminari Medspa operate as a full-service MedSpa located in beautiful Agoura Hills, California. Established in 2003, Illuminari Aesthetics, Inc. and Illuminari Aesthetics Medical Associates, Inc. offer both medical aesthetic services and spa remedies to help you relax and renew according to your individual needs.

We offer a wide array of services and products from within our convenient location near Agoura Hills. Call today for your appointment.

Cosmetic advertising tells us we need oil-free, natural, long-lasting products for our skin. Yet, no governing body regulates what goes onto the cosmetic label. It is left up to the buyer to understand what ‘natural’ means and that can vary from person to person. Why is this important to know? Because cosmetic advertising can be misleading and often only serves to pad the wallets of the cosmetic companies. You need to know about these false claims so you don’t waste your money.

False Claims in Cosmetic Advertising

Oil-Free Is Best for Acne

The majority of women accept that oil clogs pores and have come to believe that it can aggravate acne. Cosmetic companies have capitalized on this belief and now sell products that are oil-free for every part of the face. This includes eyeshadow, which is ludicrous. How many women have ever had acne on their eyelids?

So, don’t worry about the fat-free or oil-free labels. Instead, search for foundation cosmetics that are noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic. These products won’t clog pores. After all, some oils are good for acne sufferers. Tea tree oil kills bacteria that causes acne, and lavender oil is an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic.

SPF Ratings Don’t Protect You from the Sun

Many companies add sunscreen directly to their cosmetics and lead you to believe that you are protected from the harmful effects of the sun.

Sunscreen works in two different ways. First, there is a physical barrier on the skin which repels UV rays. The second component is a chemical ingredient that can penetrate the skin and generate harmful free radicals. Always check the ingredients. If it contains titanium dioxide, it can exacerbate acne.

The other thing to keep in mind is that dermatologists recommend a teaspoon of SPF 30 sunscreen if you want to prevent sun damage. Most cosmetics with sunscreen have a lower SPF than that and you certainly don’t get a teaspoon of it in your makeup. Your best option for daily sun protection is to apply to face serum with anti-oxidants and concealer.

What is ‘Natural’ Anyway?

Umm… I can think of a lot of ‘natural’ things I don’t want on my face.

So-called organic and natural cosmetics make all sorts of claims and many of them mean nothing. According to the FDA, a product only needs to be 20% natural ingredients to use the term on their label. That means 80% (the majority) is not.

Some natural products, such as lemon and orange oils, while they smell good, can irritate sensitive skin. Also, if you are prone to allergies, natural cosmetics can often trigger an allergic reaction. Always try a product on your wrist before you ever put it on your face.

Fragrance-Free May Not Mean Flavour-Free

It’s not likely that you will eat your cosmetics. However, most people who favor fragrance-free cosmetics do so because of allergies. However, many cosmetics trigger those same allergies because of flavoring substances found in the product.

Also, many manufacturers use masking scents to tone down the smell of fragrant ingredient. Yet, the FDA does not require the inclusion of the masking agents in the list of ingredients. Although the term ‘hypo-allergenic’ means that the likelihood of an allergic reaction is small, you still might react to the masking agents.

Tested By Dermatologists

Cosmetic advertising uses the phrase ‘tested by dermatologists’ to lead us to believe that their products are medically approved. However ‘tested’ does not mean anything other than they tried it. We have no way of knowing if they liked the product or found fault with it anyway.  About the only way to get a true dermatologist recommendation is to ask your dermatologist

The professionals at Illuminari MedSpa in Agoura Hills CA have a medical background that allows them to give you expert advice in the area of holistic health and beauty. Call today and make an appointment for one of their spa treatments.

Hair Cosmetics Used to Treat Hair Loss

 

Capixyl

Sanicapyl

Magnetic Fibers

Over 90% of all women have cellulite showing on their hips, arms, stomach, and buttocks. Though common, very few people understand the true nature of cellulite. Contrary to popular belief, the appearance of “orange peel” or “cottage cheese” skin is NOT the result of too much weight. Even thin people have cellulite and can benefit from cellulite treatments.

However, you need to do your research. Many of the so-called cellulite treatments don’t do anything but moisturize the skin and the effects wear off practically before you leave the parking lot. So, to keep you from wasting time and money, we put together a list of The 5 Most Effective Cellulite Treatments.

Cellulite Treatments

Cellulaze

Though more expensive than some of the cellulite treatments on our list, Cellulaze ranks #1. According to dermatologists, Cellulaze significantly reduces the appearance of cellulite and the results are long-lasting if not permanent.

A small tube is inserted under the skin to direct a tiny laser that melts the “fatty tissue” and softens the area around it. This produces a smoother appearance, getting rid of the “cottage cheese” effect. You may see some swelling around the area immediately after the procedure, but this will subside.

Cellulaze was the first cellulite treatment approved by the FDA and has an almost 100% satisfaction rate among clients.

Vanquish

Vanquish uses radiofrequency energy to contour and sculpt the body. It gets rid of cellulite by using heat to kill fat cells in a non-invasive way. The treatment is not intended for overall weight loss but works well in reducing the cellulite in the abdomen and thighs. Vanquish is FDA approved and the procedure causes very little discomfort. Most patients start seeing results after four treatments. It costs less than Cellulaze but has not been on the market quite as long.

Cellulite Creams

The majority of cellulite creams are a combination of emollients and caffeine. When used every day, you will see noticeably smoother skin and a reduction in cellulite. The caffeine dehydrates the fat cells upon absorption. This causes the cells to shrink, temporarily. Cellulite creams are the least expensive method of controlling cellulite. However, you must know that they do not remove the fat cells, only cause them to shrink. Once you stop using the cellulite cream, your cells will return to their normal size and shape.

Exfoliating Scrubs

Stimulation of the skin through exfoliating causes the lymphatic system to drain. A secondary benefit is that the scrubs create added blood circulation which improves the look of the skin. All exfoliating scrubs work, but a coffee scrub works the best. The caffeine in coffee is absorbed by the skin and has the same effect as more expensive cellulite creams.

You can easily make your own coffee scrub at home.

Combine these three ingredients in an empty jar. Massage into problem areas daily and watch as your cellulite appears to shrink.

• 1 c coffee grounds
• 6 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 3 tbsp sea salt or sugar

The coconut oil will solidify after mixing but will melt again once with body heat. Keep in mind that, just like cellulite creams, the effects of exfoliating scrubs are temporary.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is on the list because it works, but of the five methods, this one seems to involve the most risks. This cellulite treatment was developed in Europe and involves injecting a mixture of vitamins, amino acids, and other organic materials under the skin. These chemicals break down the fat cells and smooth out the areas of cellulite. Some patients experience swelling and the risk of infection is present if the procedure is not administered by a professional.

Which Cellulite Treatment Is Right For You?

How do you know which cellulite treatment you should choose? That depends on your budget and what you hope to achieve. The more expensive treatments last longer and often require the services of a medical professional. Massage and creams work well and can be administered at your local spa. The long-term cost is often less than other treatments. Contact Illuminari Med Spa to find out more information on which cellulite treatment is right for you.